Keeping You and Your Family Safe on a Cruise

According to 20/20 and ABC News, cruising is the safest form of travel out there. It’s even safer than crossing the street (apparently 8 times safer than crossing the street in NYC). While no method of travel in life is completely foolproof, once I get over my anxiety of being out on open water (I’m really not an open water kind of gal but I have a feeling the big boat under me will help quell some of those fears) I have a feeling cruising and I are going to get along just fine. I’ve started looking into the details of staying safe while having fun and it really comes down to two things: leave your valuables at home and be mindful of your surroundings. There’s no need to bring fancy valuables on a ship; who are you trying to impress? The fanciest I’m getting is lots of sunscreen, my big floppy hat, and shaved armpits. You’re welcome fellow passengers!

I’ve come across a few great tips that may be common knowledge for some, but good to keep in mind regardless because I can assure you, once you put me on a boat in the sunshine? My defenses will be down a little more than usual (relaxation tends to do that to a girl).

Prepay your tips if you have the option; it keeps you from having to carry extra cash that can easily get lost or misplaced.

Leave valuables at home. You don’t need an iPad or video game on a boat, you’re on a boat! GO HAVE FUN!

Keep a photo copy of all your vital travel documents with you at all times, while keeping the originals locked in your cabin safe.

Teach your kids whom to talk to if they need help and you’re not around.

Pay attention when they go over the lifeboat (muster) drill. Anyone who’s seen a certain movie about a certain boat knows how important this is.

Take a picture of your kids each time you head out so if you were to get separated from them you have a (very) recent photo to show the crew or authorities if needed.

Carry walkie-talkies, as they work on the ocean! No need to have cellphones on a boat (if they even work). Walkie-talkies make it easy to keep in touch with your family without a high cost or risk of loss.

Bottled water when you’re off the boat, people. SEALED, bottled water.

Keep what you carry to a minimum and keep it close to you. There’s no need to be flashing all those gold cards to everyone.

Keep the liquor to a minimum. Long days in the sun mixed with liquor make for bad decisions and bad stomachaches. Take care of yourself.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers some amazing programs for kids that will keep them safely entertained while you safely entertain yourself at the hands of an experienced masseuse, or on a lunch date with that special someone. Splash Academy is for kids 6 months through 12 years while Entourage is for teens ages 13 to 17. I know I’ve never stayed at a hotel that lets me drop my kids off while I spend some quality time with my husband. This cruise thing, it just keeps looking better everyday.

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